Greek Epigraphy

This is an in-depth intensive introduction into Greek Epigraphy with most of the teaching and training in the immediate vicinity of the major archaeological monuments and museums in Athens. The intensive course is preceded by five preliminary sessions in the Netherlands, in which basic heuristic instruction is given and Greek inscriptions are studied within their linguistic, literary, and social-historical context.

The course is primarily intended for MA, RMA and PhD students in Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology and Religious Studies, but it is also open to others. The course is part of the curriculum for Research MA and PhD students of the National Research School OIKOS. Prior knowledge of Epigraphy is not necessary, but you need to have a basic level of Greek (a completed elementary course of at least 10 ECTS or a high school exam/A-level in Ancient Greek). Individual assignments will be set at the appropriate level of Greek. This course is an ideal preparation for using inscriptions in your own research for your (MA or PhD) thesis or for using inscriptions in the classroom.

The course will be taught in English.

The program in Athens consists of site and museum visits combined with epigraphical ambulations. Students prepare flash-presentations (both individually and in groups) to be delivered during these visits. Each student prepares an individual assignment, which consists of a critical edition, an epigraphical lemma and a commentary in relation to one or two specific epigraphical monuments. The assignments are orally presented on the final day of the excursion and followed up by a written paper upon return to the Netherlands.

The course is hosted by the Netherlands Institute in Athens, which will serve as starting point for most excursions and ambulations. Some excursions to sites outside Athens are part of the course.

Greek inscriptions can be read and discussed in a secondary school classroom. Students will also become acquainted with Athens, a destination of school excursions